Vaccine Resources: Addressing Anti-vaccine Concerns

As the anti-vaccine rhetoric has increased on the Internet, so too have scientifically sound assessments of their concerns. If confronted with concerns that are novel, these resources may be of interest.

Science-based medicine — This online blog has several contributors and regularly addresses vaccine safety-related concerns. A review of recent posts includes:

• The claim that Gardasil causes premature ovarian failure: Ideology, not science — David Gorski, 3/7/16
• Are the recommended childhood vaccine schedules evidence-based? — David Gorski, 2/29/16
• Laws limiting vaccine exemptions work — Steven Novella, 2/3/16
• Nine Questions, Nine Answers — Mark Crislip, 5/7/10 – Although older, this post might be useful in addressing questions that parents are “suggested to ask their doctor” in some anti-vaccine messages posted online.

Every Child By Two  (ECBT) — In addition to their extremely successful Vaccinate Your Baby and newer Vaccinate Your Family campaigns, Every Child By Two provides information and resources on their original website, including expert commentaries:

• Wrong about Vaccine Safety: A Review of Andrew Wakefield’s “Callous Disregard” by Joel Harrison, published in The Open Vaccine Journal, 2013, 6, 9-25.
• Debunking Antivaccionationist John Stone & the CDC “Whistleblower”: Review of “DeStefano Rides Again” by Joel Harrison, 12/5/15.